Jimny Effect: Revival Of This 4WD Mahindra Thar Variant Could Bring Down Off-roader’s Prices For Good

• 4WD Mahindra Thar’s base-spec AX trim could make a comeback.

• Will be offered with 2-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engine options and a manual transmission in the base trim.

• No change in the pipeline for the RWD variants of the Thar for now.

• Prices for 4WD Thar likely to come down with the arrival of the AX trim.

• Mahindra currently retails the 4WD Thar between Rs 13.59 lakh and Rs 16.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

The entry price point of the Mahindra Thar dropped significantly with the launch of its rear-wheel drive variants. But there was no relief for people looking to drive home the four-wheel drive (4WD) version of the SUV with the same variant lineup being retained. 

That could soon change as a leaked RTO document suggests that Mahindra could relaunch the base AX trim of the SUV, which was discontinued just a few months post its inception. And this could be done to keep the pricing of the Thar competitive with respect to the upcoming five-door Maruti Jimny, which will likely be more affordable than the Thar.

According to the document, the Thar will get a new AX trim with both petrol and diesel power units, but paired to a manual transmission only. 

Currently, the SUV can be had in two broad trims: AX (O) and LX. Both can be had with three engine options: 118PS/300Nm 1.5-litre diesel (two-wheel drive only), a 130PS/300Nm 2.2-litre diesel and a 150PS/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol. 

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The smaller diesel unit is exclusive to the RWD variants, while the bigger 2.2-litre diesel is exclusive to the 4WD variants. The petrol powertrain is available with both. A six-speed manual is offered as standard, however, the 6-speed automatic option is limited to the 2-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines.

Prices for the 4WD Thar currently range from Rs 13.59 lakh to Rs 16.49 lakh, but addition of the new base-spec trim could bring down the prices. The Force Gurkha and the upcoming Maruti Jimny are the Mahindra off-roader’s main rivals.